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dorisss

In the Brooder
Jul 17, 2024
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We're worse than newbies! A couple of weeks ago, two adorable young chickens appeared in our hedge (it's very tall, provides a roost and is kind of hollow in the middle so they have shelter and a place to hide.) We're feeding and watering them,but came to this forum for help and advice. We asked around (we live in a farming area) but no one claims them. I worry about keeping them healthy and wonder how long they'll stay? Here in PA we get winter, so if they "keep us.." we'll provide a coop and heat. In the meantime I got some dried mealy worms, chicken "treats" and am waiting for some straw to put in the hedge for them to nest in? What about vitamins, etc? Right now they're kind of scared of us. How do we make friends with them? It's so beastly hot. I wonder if they'd like the sprinkler? Thank you!
 
I would go ahead and get a coop to keep them safe from predators.Keep feeding them and providing water.If you offer treats in your hand that might help them not be scared of you.Especially considering that they are wild I would check them for mites/lice and deworm them.How hot is it?Are the chickens male or female?Can you post pictures?Thanks so much for helping these birds!Hope this helps!!
 
dorisss said:
We're worse than newbies! A couple of weeks ago, two adorable young chickens appeared in our hedge (it's very tall, provides a roost and is kind of hollow in the middle so they have shelter and a place to hide.) We're feeding and watering them,but came to this forum for help and advice. We asked around (we live in a farming area) but no one claims them. I worry about keeping them healthy and wonder how long they'll stay? Here in PA we get winter, so if they "keep us.." we'll provide a coop and heat. In the meantime I got some dried mealy worms, chicken "treats" and am waiting for some straw to put in the hedge for them to nest in? What about vitamins, etc? Right now they're kind of scared of us. How do we make friends with them? It's so beastly hot. I wonder if they'd like the sprinkler? Thank you!
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Do you have pictures? Are they male or female? If male, a simple all flock food. If female, then they will need calcium, and should be on an egg layer food and/ or have a plate of baked crushed eggshell mixed into the food. (Some people have it on the side, but they might get confused and only eat the calcium, which would make them sick.)
 
Welcome! First, they can easily be caught while they're roosting at night. Second, they'll get all the vitamins they need from a good chicken feed - I recommend an all flock with 20% protein. Third, I'd get a coop with an enclosed run to keep them contained. You can find ideas in the coop and run section of the forums. I would not advise getting a prefab coop as they're usually, too small, too expensive and have too little ventilation. You want at least 4 square feet of coop space per bird and at least 10 square feet of run space per bird plus 1 square foot of ventilation per bird. These numbers are a bare minimum. it's best to provide more space and ventilation. Since they can obviously fly, I'd cover the run too. Fourth, the only supplements they need are grit and oyster shell - both served on the side free choice. Fifth, you can gain their trust by sitting with them and occasionally tossing them bits of food. No need to force anything, it actually might be helpful to read a book or play on your phone while out there initially
If you have any more questions feel free to ask!
 
FrostRanger said:
Welcome! First, they can easily be caught while they're roosting at night. Second, they'll get all the vitamins they need from a good chicken feed - I recommend an all flock with 20% protein. Third, I'd get a coop with an enclosed run to keep them contained. You can find ideas in the coop and run section of the forums. I would not advise getting a prefab coop as they're usually, too small, too expensive and have too little ventilation. You want at least 4 square feet of coop space per bird and at least 10 square feet of run space per bird plus 1 square foot of ventilation per bird. These numbers are a bare minimum. it's best to provide more space and ventilation. Since they can obviously fly, I'd cover the run too. Fourth, the only supplements they need are grit and oyster shell - both served on the side free choice. Fifth, you can gain their trust by sitting with them and occasionally tossing them bits of food. No need to force anything, it actually might be helpful to read a book or play on your phone while out there initially
If you have any more questions feel free to ask!
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:goodpost:

This pretty much sums it all up!

Welcome to BYC!! :frow I wish you luck, and thank you for doing what you're doing for them!
 

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